Indian Coast Guard Commences 2-day SAREX-24 exercise

The Indian Coast Guard, responsible for executing /coordinating Search and Rescue (SAR) missions in the Indian Maritime Search and Rescue Region, commenced its two-day National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise and Workshop (SAREX-24) in Kochi, Kerala on November 27, 2024.

The 11th edition of SAREX, which will be held on 27 and 28 November 2024, will test the efficiency of the various stakeholders in conducting Mass Rescue Operations in the sea in case of emergency.

The 22nd National Maritime Search and Rescue Board meeting is also being held alongside the SAREX-24 in Kochi.

Who inaugurated the SAREX-24 exercise?

• The SAREX-24 exercise was inaugurated by Defence Secretary  Rajesh Kumar Singh.
• The Indian Coast Guard comes under the Union Ministry for  Defence.

Who is Organising the SAREX-24 Exercise?

• The SAREX exercise is being held under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board.
• The Indian Coast Guard Chairman is the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board chairman.
• The Director General of the Indian Coast Guard has been designated as the National Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Authority (NMSARCA) in India.
• Thus, the Indian Coast Guard is the main agency that conducts all search and rescue operations in the sea. 
• Under NMSARCA, the Indian Maritime Search and Rescue Region is divided into three areas, with Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) located in Mumbai, Chennai, and Port Blair. 

Participants of the SAREX -24?

• The Indian Coast Guard is leading the SAREX-24 exercise with the participation of the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Cochin Port Authority, and Customs. 
• Various other central government agencies and foreign delegates also participated in the Seminar, which was part of the SAREX-24.

Why were the foreign delegates invited for SAREX-24?

• The Indian Ocean Rim Association has appointed the Indian Coast Guard as the implementing agency for the Search and Rescue mission in the Indian Ocean Region.
• The Indian Coast Guard has also been nominated as the nodal agency for Search and Rescue mission activities in the Pacific Region.

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Theme of the SAREX-24 

The theme of the SAREX-24 is “Enhancing Search and Rescue capabilities through Regional Collaboration”.

The theme highlights the Coast Guard's commitment to assisting with large-scale contingencies regardless of location, Nationality, or circumstances in the Indian Maritime Search and Rescue Region and other regions.

Director General of the Indian Coast Guard: DG Paramesh Sivamani
 

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